Fire Cider Recipe: A Spicy and Immune-Boosting Tonic

Low Toxic Cleaning, Natural Remedies

Join the course

Humblebrag raclette put a bird on it blog, fam hexagon jianbing neutra godard plaid scenester.

Homesteading 101 Starter Course

Family

Free Guide

Instagram

Courses & Guides

shop with me

FAVE LINKS

Low Toxic Living

Homesteading

Homemaking

Recipes

Topics

I’m a homesteader, homemaker, milkmaid, and bread baker! This is my very own slice of the internet, dedicated to inspiring you to live old fashioned in today's modern world. I’m so excited you’re here, and can’t wait to connect with you.

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

Fire Cider Recipe

Looking for a natural way to boost your immune system? Look no further than fire cider recipe tonic! This age-old remedy, popular in the herbal community, is known for its health-boosting effects and is especially popular during flu season. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home!

In this blog post, I will share the best fire cider recipe with you, along with tips for using this magical tonic in a variety of ways. Plus, introduce you to other immune-boosting remedies, like homemade elderberry syrup and cold-fighting apple ginger tea. Get ready to feel your best with these natural remedies!

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire Cider is a tonic made of fermented apple cider vinegar infused with horseradish, turmeric, garlic, oranges, ginger, herbs, and peppers. It is a popular folk remedy used to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and prevent colds and flu. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar popularized it in the 1970s, and it has been passed down as a natural remedy for generations.

Health Benefits of Fire Cider

Fire cider is a popular tonic made from a combination of apple cider vinegar, horseradish, hot peppers, ginger, cinnamon, and honey. This tonic is known for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of fire cider:

Antibacterial properties: Apple cider vinegar and honey have high antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections and illnesses.
Anti-inflammatory: Horseradish, ginger, and hot peppers contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body.
Respiratory health: Horseradish and hot peppers are known for their ability to improve respiratory health, especially when fighting a sinus infection.
Weight loss: Hot peppers contain capsicum, which can help aid in weight loss.
Improved digestion: Honey helps improve digestive issues and soothe sore throats.
Bone health: Hot peppers contain iron, which is essential for bone health.
Reduced blood sugar: Apple cider vinegar contains antimicrobial properties that help lower blood sugar levels.
Improved circulation: Hot peppers contain capsicum, which can help improve blood circulation.

Fire cider is a great way to boost your immune system and improve your overall health. However, it’s important to note that fire cider should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment.

Ingredients You Will Need:

To make the perfect tonic, you will need a variety of fresh ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:

Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the base for the tonic. Make sure to use enough to cover all the ingredients, otherwise, the mixture will spoil.
Fresh Horseradish: Use freshly grated and peeled horseradish. You can slice a few pieces into dials to line the outside of the jar for a cool aesthetic look. Keep in mind that horseradish has a sharp, pungent smell that can potentially make your eyes water, especially when grated.
Ginger and Turmeric: Grate or slice them into dials. There is no need to peel the skin.
Onion and Garlic: One onion is needed, and about 1 whole garlic bulb.
Orange and Lemon: Leave on the skin and slice.
Hot Peppers: Any hot peppers will work. Jalapeños work great. You can also use cayenne pepper.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh rosemary and thyme or a mixture of any of your favorite herbs.
Cinnamon Sticks and Whole Black Peppercorns: Do not grind the spices. Add them to the mixture whole.
Raw Honey: Once the mixture has fermented for about 3-4 weeks, strain it and sweeten it with honey to your liking.

Gather all the ingredients and follow the steps to make the perfect tonic.

How To Make Fire Cider

To make Fire Cider, you will need a 1.5-2 qt sized jar, horseradish, sliced ginger, turmeric, jalapenos, onion, orange, lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Here are the steps to make it:

Grate the horseradish and add it to the jar along with the sliced ginger, turmeric, jalapenos, onion, orange, lemon, and garlic. Then, add the fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns.
Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. Add more ACV as needed to cover the ingredients (this prevents the ingredients from spoiling).
Seal the jar with a piece of parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic lid if you have one.
Shake the jar to combine the ingredients and store the jar in a dark, cool place for up to 4 weeks. Remember to shake the jar once daily to mix the ingredients.
After a month, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the pulp and solid ingredients. Squeeze as much liquid out of the ingredients as you can.
Stir in the honey until it is incorporated. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness.
Store sealed in an airtight jar. Keep in the refrigerator or in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months.
Enjoy 1-2 tablespoons daily or use the fire tonic when cooking!

Making Fire Cider is a simple process that requires patience and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can create a delicious and healthy tonic that can be enjoyed daily or used in cooking.

Ways To Use Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a popular tonic that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

Cook With Fire Cider

Fire cider can add a delicious kick to your sautéed vegetables, fried rice, or cauliflower rice. You can also use it as a marinade for meat, fish, tofu, or whatever you like.

Make Salad Dressing

When a salad dressing calls for vinegar, try using fire cider instead. You can also make a simple vinaigrette by mixing fire cider, olive oil, dijon mustard, and a bit of honey.

Use It in Soups and Chilis

Fire cider can add an extra zest to your soup or chili. Try adding it to this White Bean Quinoa Chili for a delicious twist.

Serve With Crispy Baked Potatoes

Fire cider pairs perfectly with crispy baked potatoes like sweet potato fries or accordion potatoes.

Create Sauces

Fire cider can be used when creating sauces. Try this fire cider recipe in your homemade barbecue sauce for a delicious flavor.

How long does homemade fire cider last?

Homemade fire cider can last in the refrigerator or a dry cool place for up to six months.

How often should you take fire cider?

It is recommended to take 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of fire cider per day to reap its benefits. You can take it on its own or add honey or dilute it with water to make it more palatable.

Should fire cider be refrigerated?

Fire cider can be stored in the fridge for several months, but it is also shelf-stable and can be stored in a cool, dark pantry.

How to sterilize glass jars before making your tonic

To sterilize glass jars, wash them thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them on a clean towel. Place them on an oven-safe tray at 275°F for ten minutes. Metal lids can be sterilized by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then drying them on a clean towel.

I Hope You Enjoy This Homemade Fire Cider Recipe!

More Healthy Remedies and Recipes

Looking to learn more healthy recipes and remedies? Check out my favorite homemade remedies books here!

Equipment

Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment:

2 quart-sized Mason Jar with lid or canning jar

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this homemade fire cider:

3 cups Organic Unflitered Apple Cider Vinegar plus more as needed to cover the ingredients
7 oz Fresh Horseradish, grated or roughly chopped approximately 1 cup
7 oz Fresh ginger, grated or roughly chopped approximately 1 cup
2 oz Fresh Turmeric, grated or roughly chopped approximately 1/4 cup
1 Medium Onion, chopped
10 Garlic Cloves, crushed or chopped
1 Lemon, sliced
1 Orange, sliced
2-3 Jalapeño Peppers, sliced or 1/4 – 1/2 tsp organic cayenne powder
3 Cinnamon Sticks
3 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary approximately 0.1oz
6 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme approximately 0.1oz
1 tsp Peppercorn optional
1/2 cup honey, plus more as desired (Sweeten Once Fire Cider Has Fermented And Is Ready To Use)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make this homemade fire cider:

Peel and grate the horseradish. Add it to a 1.5-2 qt sized jar along with the sliced ginger, turmeric, jalapenos, onion, orange, lemon, and garlic. Then, add the fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns.
Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. Add as much ACV as needed to cover the ingredients (this prevents the ingredients from spoiling).
Seal the jar. Use a piece of parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one.
Shake the jar to combine the ingredients and store the jar in a dark, cool place for up to 4 weeks. Remember to shake the jar once daily to mix the ingredients. (I like to store the jar in the pantry where I can see it daily and remember to shake it)
After three to four weeks, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the pulp and solid ingredients. Squeeze as much liquid out of the ingredients as you can.
Stir in the honey until it is incorporated. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness. Your fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet.
Store sealed in an airtight jar. Keep in the refrigerator or in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months. Enjoy 1-2 tablespoons daily or use the fire tonic when cooking!

Notes

Here are a few notes to keep in mind when making and using this homemade fire cider recipe:

The most common way to use fire cider tonic is to drink 1-2 tablespoons each morning. You can sweeten it with a bit of honey before drinking it (which makes it super tasty!) or dilute it with water or juice.
Enjoy a tablespoon or two a day, or when you feel you are coming down with a cold.
Find more remedies and my favorite homesteading books here!

Nutrition

Here’s the nutritional information for this homemade fire cider recipe:

Serving: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 18kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 10mg
Potassium: 31mg
Sugar: 3g
Calcium: 8mg

Remember that nutritional information is an estimate only, and may vary based on the actual ingredients you use to make the recipe. Nutritional information for recipes is contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used to make the recipe